Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method may include a fluidic device comprising a chamber, an inlet port coupled to the chamber and configured to convey fluid to the chamber, and an outlet port coupled to the chamber and configured to convey the fluid from the chamber. The fluidic device may also have a restricting region that (1) is dimensioned to restrict a flow of the fluid through the outlet port when the pressure in the chamber is below a threshold level and (2) is configured to move in a manner that allows a flow rate of the fluid through the outlet port to increase when pressure in the chamber reaches the threshold level.

Abstract: The present invention intends to make it hard to distort a diaphragm at the time of assembling in a fluid control valve structured to screw a screw member to a plunger. The fluid control valve that makes an actuator move a valve body installed movably in a contacting/separating direction with respect to a valve seat includes: the plunger that is interposed between the valve body and the actuator to transfer the power of the actuator to the valve body; and the diaphragm connected to the circumferential surface of the plunger. In addition, the plunger includes: a first division body connected to the diaphragm; and a second division body that is arranged on an actuator side of the first division body and to which the screw member is screwed. Further, the second division body is configured to be rotatable with respect to the first division body in its circumferential direction.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type control valve having a diaphragm and a valve body is provided preferably for use in the separation of and fluid control between a fluid source and a pressurized gas volume. The diaphragm element and a port in the body together form an intermediate chamber that eliminates the need for a check-valve downstream of the valve. In one preferred embodiment, an inner surface of the valve body defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber, and an elongated seat member defining a groove in communication with the port. A diaphragm member having upper and lower surfaces is disposed within the chamber. The lower surface preferably includes a pair of spaced apart elongated members defining a channel therebetween. The diaphragm member engages the seat member placing the channel in communication with the groove to define an air seat in communication with the port.

Abstract: A flow path member includes a gas chamber which allows inflow and outflow of gas, and a flexible member that partitions part of the gas chamber and deforms in response to pressure change in the gas chamber, wherein the flexible member has a contact section configured to abut another object, the contact section being disposed inside a regulation section in which deformation is regulated, and the contact section abuts the another object to seal the another object during at least one of depressurization and pressurization of the gas chamber.

Abstract: It is provided that a pre-air-filter, for an internal combustion engine, which allows stiffness to be assured even when the weight is reduced, which also has excellent dust holding properties, and which has an excellent resistance to entry of water. A pre-air-filter for an internal combustion engine (1) contains a nonwoven fabric comprising a first fiber having a melting point of not lower than 80° C. and not higher than 200° C., a second fiber having a melting point of higher than the melting point of the first fiber by not less than 30° C., being crimped, and having a hollow structure, entanglement of the first fiber and the second fiber by needle punching, and fusion of partly or entirely melted first fiber and the second fiber. This pre-air-filter (1) is installed at an air-inlet-side of a main-air-filter (2).

Abstract: A method for cooling a component of a gas turbine engine includes flowing a cooling airflow through a cooling passage of a turbine rotor blade, wherein the cooling passage includes an inlet and an outlet formed on a blade tip of the turbine rotor blade. The method further includes receiving at least a portion of the cooling airflow exiting the outlet of the cooling passage with an aperture defined in a casing of the gas turbine engine, wherein the casing is spaced from the blade tip along the radial direction. In addition, the method includes providing the cooling airflow received with the aperture defined in the casing to the component of the gas turbine engine through a coolant duct assembly of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A device and method for the individual dosing or drainage of small quantities of liquids or gases in microreactors and microreactor arrays, having a membrane and an outlet to a reaction chamber or a reactor arranged therebelow, which is surrounded by an area which forms a fluid line with the membrane, wherein the area or the membrane has an annular elevation which can be arranged around the outlet.

Abstract: An impingement manifold includes a fluid inlet passage and a pressurized chamber. The pressurized chamber includes at least one lobe. The at least one lobe includes a flow improving feature configured to minimize vorticity of a flow field within the pressurized chamber, and at least one flow outlet.

Abstract: A valve is provided with a tubular structure having an outer tube and an inner tube, and a diaphragm member having a thin film disposed to cover one end of the inner tube and an anchor part which encircles a peripheral edge of the thin film and comes into close contact with an inner wall of the outer tube and an outer wall of the inner tube.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for changing a flexibility of a sheet structure. In an embodiment, a garment or other device includes sheet structure, where an interface region is disposed between overlapping layer portions of a sheet structure. While a pressure differential is maintained between the interface region and a chamber of the garment, a valve of the garment is opened to allow an exchange of fluid between the interface region and the chamber. In another embodiment, the exchange of fluid changes a flexibility of the sheet structure by initiating or alleviating friction jamming between the overlapping layer portions.

Abstract: An arrangement composed of a flow cell and an apparatus for operating the flow cell, wherein the flow cell has at least two layers, between which the operator device can produce a cavity structure or alter an existing cavity structure with curvature of at least one of the two layers.

Abstract: The present invention involves, in some embodiments, systems and methods for pumping fluid into or out of a patient via a cartridge. The cartridge may include a membrane defining a chamber and mechanisms to supply, measure and control pressure in the chamber. The system further includes a processor that can be configured to compare certain pressure measurements to each other to facilitate determining if an error condition exists in the medical system if the difference between measurements is greater than a threshold. In certain cases the error condition may indicate leakage of the membrane, for example due to a pinhole in the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention involves, in some embodiments, fluid handling systems and methods for pumping fluid to and from a patient. The system and methods in certain embodiments involve a pumping cartridge and a reusable component configured to mate with the pumping cartridge comprising. The reusable component may comprise a control chamber and a pressure transducer configured to measure a gas pressure associated with the control chamber, and may further include a processor configured to supply the control chamber with a gas at a predetermined pressure, open the pump chamber to the surroundings, monitor the gas pressure associated with the control chamber using the pressure transducer over a predetermined period of time, and determine if the change in gas pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: An inflatable membrane apparatus (10) comprising (a) a fluid accumulator (11) having an upper and a lower face and a fluid entrance (12), said lower face being partly formed by an inflatable membrane (14), and (b) a trunconical part (15) projecting outwardly from the lower face of the accumulator whose greater base is closed by at least part of the inflatable membrane (14) and smaller base forms a circular opening, whereby, when pressurized fluid is introduced into the accumulator (11), deformation of the inflatable membrane (14) is guided by the trunconical part.

Abstract: A fluid control device includes two opening and closing valves 2, 3 disposed symmetrical to each other and having an identical shape, two fluid discharge passages 6, 7, 11, 12 having an equal length and provided in parallel with each other in outlets of the opening and closing valves 2, 3, and a connection member 10 attachable to a chamber and having two fluid passages 25, 26 formed in an equal length to and communicating with the two fluid discharge passages 6, 7, 11, 12, the connection member being provided in outlets of the two fluid discharge passages 6, 7, 11, 12.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic system comprising a micro-fluidic channel, which has a wall provided with a hole, within which a closing portion of a closing element extends; when the closing portion is arranged within the micro-fluidic channel, the passage of the liquid along the channel is interrupted; by deforming the closing element by suction the closing portion may be lifted and therefore allow the passage of liquid along the micro-fluidic channel.

Abstract: The present invention involves, in some embodiments, systems and methods involving fluid handling apparatus for pumping fluid to and from a patient, which may include a reusable component and a disposable pumping cartridge. The reusable component may comprise a control chamber and a pressure transducer configured to measure a gas pressure associated with the control chamber, as well as a processor. The processor may be configured to supply the control chamber with a gas at a predetermined pressure, monitor the gas pressure associated within the control chamber with the pressure transducer over a predetermined period of time, and determine if the change in gas pressure associated within the control chamber exceeds a maximum allowable predetermined limit.

Abstract: A substrate of a lab-on-a-chip system has two adjacent recesses, one serving as a flow channel and the other one being filled with an elastomer compound. In a first state, the elastomer compound and the substrate delimit the flow channel in a section. In a second state, the elastomer compound takes up the space in the recess in the substrate along a cross-section of the flow channel, thereby completely closing the flow channel. The substrate and the elastomer compound may be produced by injection molding techniques.

Abstract: A method of isolating a section of pipe includes the steps of locating a seal unit having two seal elements in a pipe via a penetration in the pipe, such as a branch or tee. The seal unit is then positioned in the pipe downstream of the penetration. The seal elements are activated using a primary activation mechanism to engage the pipe wall and then maintained in an activated condition using a secondary activation mechanism.

Abstract: A membrane valve comprising a first and a second valve housing part and a membrane clamped between the valve housing parts comprises a peripherally surrounding bead on the membrane and a thin, axially movable membrane portion adjacent thereto. The bead is supported by the two valve housing parts and is provided with an undercut at a radial inner side. Further, a membrane for installation in a membrane valve is provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.

Abstract: A flow control device is capable of performing accurate flow control over a wide pressure range. The flow control device includes: a housing; a diaphragm splitting the housing into a gas chamber side to which gas is introduced and a fluid chamber side through which fluid passes, and being activated by the differential pressure generated between the gas chamber side and the fluid chamber side; and a valve body which operates in integration with the diaphragm to regulate the flow of the fluid introduced to the fluid chamber side. The diaphragm includes: a base part provided in a substantially central part of the diaphragm; and a thin film part provided on the outer rim of the base part. An opposing surface which is provided on the fluid chamber side to oppose the diaphragm includes a retaining form which retains the shape of the thin film part deformed by the differential pressure.

Abstract: The restraining function of support structure airbags in particular and mechanical airbags should be able to be specifically guaranteed in a simple manner. To this end, an air cushion for an airbag of a motor vehicle is provided, having a sleeve with at least one opening and a closure element arranged on the at least one opening in order to at least partially prevent air from flowing from a first direction, Furthermore, the closure element is flexible and has a channel-shaped design at least upon the flow of air from a second direction opposite the first direction. The closure element thus has the effect of a check valve.

Abstract: A system for storing articles can have at least two operating modes. In the first mode, gases are evacuated from the system whereby the articles are stored at a pressure less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. In the second mode, gases are evacuated while the system is open to the admittance of gases from the exterior of the system whereby the articles are ventilated by the admitted gases. The system also can have a third operating mode wherein both the first and second modes are rendered inoperative. The storage system can function so that when the articles are stored in the first mode, gases are intermittently removed from the system whereby the pressure at which the articles are stored is maintained at less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. The storage system can be located in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a piston-format working-fluid-pressure actuator capable of commonly using components when the piston-format working-fluid-pressure actuator is used for a reverse action or a normal action and decreasing a length dimension, in the forward/backward movement direction of the output shaft and to provide a control valve using the piston-format working-fluid-pressure actuator and a valve member. [Solution] A piston-format working-fluid-pressure actuator (10) includes a casing (30) provided with a cylinder chamber (33) by including a cover portion (31) and a body portion (32), an output shaft (40) supported by the casing so as to be movable forward or backward, a piston (50) attached to the output shaft and defining the cylinder chamber, a spring member (60) applying an elastic force of moving the output shaft to the piston, and a working-fluid supply opening (70) supplying a working fluid.

Abstract: A valve assembly for dispensing liquid from a container. A manifold includes a first channel extending downwardly from a first inlet to a first side outlet, and a second channel extending downwardly from a second inlet on the manifold to a second outlet. The first side outlet and the second inlet are located on the same horizontal plane in reference to the longitudinal axis of the manifold. An elastic membrane sheathed around the manifold extends over the first side outlet and the second inlet. External fluid pressure causes the membrane to expand under fluid flow to provide for fluid communication through the manifold. In alternate embodiments fluid pressure flowing through the first and second channels causes the elastic membrane to expand enabling fluid communication between the first side outlet and the second inlet. A sealing sleeve extends around the elastic membrane is movable from a first to a second position.

Abstract: A needle fill valve, in which a bearer is set on the top of a body, the bearer is covered on an upper cover, a front cavity is set on the front side of the bearer, an inner cavity is set on the location corresponding to the front cavity for placing the annular gasket of the sealing plate wrapped a sealing valve pad, and the purpose of fixing the sealing valve pad for preventing being disengaged from the annular gasket is achieved by fastening an upper fixed seat and a lower fixed seat.

Abstract: An improved microfluidic system with an improved microfluidic valve module is disclosed. The microfluidic system includes a microfluidic chip and one or more valve modules. The microfluidic chip has microfluidic channels and one or more cavities formed in the chip, each of the one or more cavities designed to receive one of the one or more valve modules. Each of the one or more valve modules includes a first layer, a control layer and one or more second layers. The first layer includes a deformable material. The control layer has a microfluidic control chamber formed in a portion of it. The control layer is also located adjoining the first layer and the deformable material of the first layer forms a deformable surface of the control chamber. The one or more second layers include an input microfluidic channel and an output microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for micro-scale simulated moving bed chromatography (SMB) for continuous preparation of analytic quantities of highly pure fractions of target molecules. The present apparatus and method of the invention is adapted in a preferred embodiment to separations by affinity chromatography involving three discontinuous liquid flow loops. An alternative embodiment of affinity chromatography utilizes standard SMB operating under isocratic conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flow regulator, made of a stack of 3 plates, respectively a top plate including a flexible membrane (1), a middle plate (2) with pillars and through holes and a bottom plate (3) with fluidic ports, micro channels and through holes (8,9,12). The principle is based on the deformation of the membrane due to the pressure of the liquid. The membrane goes in contact with the pillars of the middle plate, obstructing gradually the through holes of the pillars. The device is designed to keep the flow constant in a predefined range of pressure. The device is dedicated to ultra low flow rate up to 1 ml per day or below, typically for drug infusion. Plastic flow regulators comprise preferably several independent valves coupled in parallel. The membrane plate is therefore made of several flexible membranes obstructing gradually the flow by increasing the pressure. Stress limiters are used to avoid plastic deformation of the membrane.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a back pressure regulator includes: a body defining a process surface, and including: at least one process void communicating with the process surface; a recess disposed in the process surface; a floating support hub disposed in the recess, carrying an O-ring; a vent void communicating with the recess; an inlet port disposed in fluid communication with the at least one process void and adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with a fluid at a process pressure; and an outlet port disposed in fluid communication with the vent void; and a diaphragm having opposed reference and process sides, the diaphragm disposed against the body such that the process side is substantially coplanar with the process surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to method, system for microfluidic control. One or more embodiments of the disclosure relate to pneumatically actuated “lifting gate” microvalves and pumps. In some embodiments, a microfluidic control module is provided, which comprises a plurality of pneumatic channels and a plurality of lifting gate valves configured to be detachably affixed to a substrate. The plurality of lifting gate valves are aligned with at least one fluidic channel on the substrate when affixed to the substrate. Each of the valves comprises: a pneumatic layer, a fluidic layer, and a pneumatic displacement chamber between the pneumatic layer and the fluidic layer. The fluidic layer has a first side facing the pneumatic layer and a second side facing away from the pneumatic layer, wherein the second side has a protruding gate configured to obstruct a flow of the fluidic channel when the fluidic layer is at a resting state.

Abstract: A filling channel opening and closing device, which is used in a liquid product filling apparatus, including an opening and closing control unit that includes a flexible tube and a chamber enclosing the flexible tube in a gastight manner, a gas supply and exhaust device that collapses and restores the flexible tube by supplying pressurized gas into the chamber and exhausting the gas from the chamber, and a control device that controls the timing of supply and exhaust of the gas of the gas supply and exhaust device.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve is used to perform opening/closing operations to switch between a state where two flow paths 14a and 15a communicate with each other and a state where the flow paths 14a and 14b are blocked from communicating with each other. A diaphragm unit 31 which is disposed in a valve housing 13 has a hollow valve body 32 capable of being reciprocated in the axial direction, the diaphragm unit 31 is formed with a communication flow path 32a through which two flow paths 14a and 14b are communicated with each other. A first diaphragm 34 is provided to one end portion of a hollow valve body 32, and a second diaphragm 36 is provided to the other end of the hollow valve body 32, when the hollow valve body 32 is moved in its axial direction and abuts on a valve seat portion 42, the communication flow path 32a is closed.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein disclose a system and a method for regulating a flow of fluid stream in fluid storage and dispensing systems. The system comprising a valve arrangement including a compressed air unit bloated by a connecting air inlet tube, a frame and a valve elevating means to mount the valve arrangement on the frame, several sensors to detect one crisis factor, a communication unit, a data logger and processing unit, a remote management system and several actuators to regulate the operation of the valve arrangement. The valve arrangement shuts down the outflow of fluid stream on receiving a valve shutdown signal from one of the sensors and data processing unit in case of a crisis detection. The data processing unit informs the remote management system to take adequate safety measures through the communication unit.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type control valve having a diaphragm and a valve body is provided preferably for use in the separation of and fluid control between a fluid source and a pressurized gas volume. The diaphragm element and a port in the body together form an intermediate chamber that eliminates the need for a check-valve downstream of the valve. In one preferred embodiment, an inner surface of the valve body defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber, and an elongated seat member defining a groove in communication with the port. A diaphragm member having upper and lower surfaces is disposed within the chamber. The lower surface preferably includes a pair of spaced apart elongated members defining a channel therebetween. The diaphragm member engages the seat member placing the channel in communication with the groove to define an air seat in communication with the port.

Abstract: Axial fluid valves having annular flow control members are described herein. An example axial fluid valve described herein includes an axial flow valve body defining a passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The example axial fluid valve includes a sleeve slidably received by an inner surface of the axial flow valve body and movable along an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the passageway. The example axial fluid valve includes a linkage or a gear operatively connected to the sleeve to move the sleeve to vary a flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet through the sleeve.

Abstract: A gas release device that includes a reservoir of pressurised gas and a passageway from said reservoir to an outlet. There is an elastic gas permeable membrane in the passageway that allows gas release only via the membrane. A gas impermeable member is provided in the passageway that includes an interface positioned to contact said gas permeable membrane. Displacement of the gas permeable membrane is responsive to the pressure of the gas in the reservoir such that there is a greater interfacial contact between the gas impermeable member and the gas permeable membrane at a higher gas pressure than at lower pressure to thereby vary the exposed cross sectional area of the permeable membrane available to the flow in an inverse relationship to pressure.

Abstract: A method of controlling a main fluid in a conduit using a microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture in response to an electric field applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane into and out of the conduit, thereby controlling the flow of the main fluid by opening or closing the conduit.

Abstract: A respiratory valve device includes a catheter balloon configured for being disposed in a respiratory gas pathway and valving the respiratory gas pathway.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type control valve having a diaphragm and a valve body is provided preferably for use in the separation of and fluid control between a fluid source and a pressurized gas volume. The diaphragm element and a port in the body together form an intermediate chamber that eliminates the need for a check-valve downstream of the valve. In one preferred embodiment, an inner surface of the valve body defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber, and an elongated seat member defining a groove in communication with the port. A diaphragm member having upper and lower surfaces is disposed within the chamber. The lower surface preferably includes a pair of spaced apart elongated members defining a channel therebetween. The diaphragm member engages the seat member placing the channel in communication with the groove to define an air seat in communication with the port.

Abstract: An improved microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture. The flow of the control fluid is controlled by an electric field typically applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane formed along the wall of a conduit through which a fluid to be controlled flows. The stretching of the flexible membrane controlling the flow of the main fluid to be controlled.

Abstract: The present invention involves, in some embodiments, pump chambers are configured to prevent contact of at least a portion of a membrane movable within the pump chamber to effect pumping from contacting an inner wall of the pump chamber, which can, in some embodiments, be useful to prevent any gas in the pump chamber from being pumped from the pump chamber during pumping. The pump chambers and pumping cartridges may form part of a pumping system further comprising valve(s) and a controller configured to detect and purge gas from the pump chamber.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator (1) of the passive type is disclosed which has a fluid inlet adapted to be connected to a fluid reservoir and a fluid outlet (13) adapted to be connected to a patient's body. The regulator comprises a rigid substrate (2) and a resilient membrane (3) tightly linked together so as to define a cavity (6) there between which is disconnected to the fluid outlet while the membrane has a first surface (12) opposite the cavity which is connected to the fluid inlet. The membrane has a plurality of through holes (15) contiguous with the cavity, to define a pathway for a fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and is flexible so as to be able to come into contact with the substrate as a fluid applies a sufficient pressure on the first surface.

Abstract: An inflatable conduit plug is used to seal a conduit such as a floor drain or an air vent. The conduit plug includes a shroud that is removably sealed within the conduit so that fluids pass through the shroud opening. Axially disposed within the shroud is an inflatable bladder adapted for closing the shroud opening. The inflatable bladder is inflated by an inflation signal generated by a controller upon receipt of a contamination signal received from a remote contamination detector. The plug operates in a wireless environment and can be controlled remotely. The plug can also be adapted for diverting contamination away from sensitive lands and storm drains.

Abstract: A single chamber two-way servo-operated valve includes: a valve body presenting an inlet aperture, an outlet aperture, and an access; a cover to close the access of the valve body; a port dividing the valve body interior into an inlet section and an outlet section; a valving element including a disc for closing the port; and an actuating chamber at least partially defined by the cover. The disc and a flexible diaphragm are connected to the valving element. The disc of the valving element includes a rigid central core which is at least partially covered by a rubber layer adhering to the central core. The rubber layer extends from the edge of the disc to form the flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.

Abstract: Membrane valves and latching valve structures for microfluidic devices are provided. A demultiplexer can be used to address the latching valve structures. The membrane valves and latching valve structures may be used to form pneumatic logic circuits, including processors.